Fir Trees, Heat Waves and Nuclear Armageddon

Did you know that Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was a created as part of a marketing campaign? Or that “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” was condemned by church officials in Boston for being lewd and inappropriate?

You’ll learn more about those songs—and eight others—after reading these strange facts about some of our favorite holiday songs. So grab a cup of eggnog and settle down in a warm spot by the fireplace (or TV).

We’ll start with a seasonal favorite that describes the particular joys of riding in a one-horse open sleigh…

Someone needs to clarify that Johnny Marks DID NOT write "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." It is actually based on a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and I think he should get his due credit. Marks did, however, compose the music for a version of the song in the 1950's. It is a beautiful song, regardless.